I-105 is a spur from I-605 to I-405 and Los Angeles International Airport. I-105 runs 17 miles east-west between I-605 and LAX. A 2-mile eastward extension of I-105 would be needed to reach I-5, but the citizens of Norwalk opposed it and it was not built. I-105 traffic to/from I-5 can use I-605 from the north, and the CA-91 Artesia Freeway and I-605 from the south. I-105 was the last major freeway completed in L.A., in 1993. It is generally 8 lanes (3 general purpose lanes and one HOV lane each way), and the light rail transit Green Line and its stations runs in the median. This light rail line is double-tracked and is by default completely grade-separated, and high speed. The station canopies have rather interesting designs. Unlike many of the earlier L.A. freeways that are at grade or are elevated above grade, I-105 is mostly depressed well below grade with a wide right-of-way and sloping earthen embankments. This was done to lessen the visual and sound impacts on the nearby communities. The multi-level interchanges at I-710 and I-110 are not depressed. West of I-405, I-105 is on an elevated viaduct as it approaches LAX. The cost to build the combined Century Freeway / Green Line project was $2.3 billion.

Westbound, in Downey, approaching I-710. The depressed sections typically look like this.

Westbound. Notice light rail transit station in median.

Westbound, approaching I-110 Harbor Freeway interchange. In this photo and the 2 previous, the left HOV lane is clearly visible.

Eastbound, on Imperial Highway, south of LAX. The grade transition ahead is the western end of the Century Freeway.

All photos taken by Scott Kozel.

(Created 3-31-00)